Chapter 360

360. Chapter 360: Fifth Spirit Beast

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Protagonist:

Yu Zhangsheng

"Hm?"

Yu Zhangsheng raised an eyebrow; amid the shifting of his brow, a look of hope appeared on his face. He naturally rose to his feet and cradled the Purple Child in his arms, looking at the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit as he tentatively asked:

"Then... Senior, could you possibly make an exception for us? We would be eternally grateful!"

Following Yu Zhangsheng's movement, the Purple Child, held in his embrace, merely stiffened for a moment before not struggling, naturally leaning against Yu Zhangsheng's chest, likewise gazing at the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit with a face full of hope.

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit rubbed his brow, his gaze flickering. He looked at Yu Zhangsheng, then at the Purple Child, and finally let out a long sigh, shaking his head helplessly as he said: "Very regrettable, the rules absolutely cannot be broken; it has been so since ancient times. Those who rashly break the rules never meet a good end."

When he spoke the latter half of that sentence, the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit's tone softened, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, he glanced lightly toward Yu Zhangsheng's direction, a trace of playful amusement revealing itself in the depths of his eyes.

"Ah?"

Yu Zhangsheng's expression changed, disappointment overflowing beyond words. He gently gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with unwillingness and stubbornness. Just as he was about to say something, he heard the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit continue:

"However, seeing your genuine affection, and since you have already passed the trial, as the Inheritor, it's impossible to truly let you perish here."

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit sighed, then sighed lightly once more, his expression quite helpless.

"But having you stand by and watch — with your temperament, since you value bonds more than your own life, that's even more impossible. As for me, there is only this one method that can resolve the current problem, guaranteeing both you and he remain safe and sound."

"What method? Senior, speak quickly!"

Yu Zhangsheng's gaze was bright; following up on the question, he asked somewhat impatiently.

The Purple Child likewise widened his eyes slightly, looking expectantly at the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit.

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit laughed with an inscrutable meaning, lightly shook his head, lowered his brows, and spoke concisely: "By the rules, only the Inheritor who passes the trial may leave. Since this little guy failed the trial, in principle it is naturally impossible to let him off."

"However, if we regard him and you as one person, you two as one body, then there's no problem."

"Senior, what do you... mean by this?"

Yu Zhangsheng, hearing this, asked in confusion. The Purple Child, too, looked somewhat dazed, gazing at the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit.

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit smiled, waved his hand, curled his lip lightly, and said succinctly: "My meaning is very simple. One of you is human, one is a Spirit Beast. As long as this little guy is willing to sign a Spirit Beast Contract with you, the two of you become one person — after all, you share the same origin and nature."

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit coughed lightly, then again, without leaving a trace, glanced at Yu Zhangsheng, and said lightly:

"After all, once a Spirit Beast Contract is signed, it means the two parties are bound from then on, sharing life and death. Calling them one person is not an exaggeration at all, and it passes muster with the rules."

Speaking to this point, the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit bit his tongue ever so slightly, imperceptibly, maintaining his calm expression as he continued seriously:

"It's just that this might be a bit of a raw deal for Yu Zhangsheng. With your talent, plus the arrangements I've made for you, you could have signed a contract with a more powerful Fifth Rank Spirit Beast — the Bloodthirsty Ink Abyss Dragon. Its boost to your strength would far exceed this little guy's."

"Once you decide to sign a Spirit Beast Contract with it, then with your cultivation base you would be unable to continue supporting a contract with a Fifth Rank Spirit Beast, and the Bloodthirsty Ink Abyss Dragon is already a remnant soul; it cannot hold on for long before dissipating completely."

"So, Yu Zhangsheng, you must think carefully. For this little guy, not hesitating to risk your life, and even giving up a heaven-sent opportunity like the Bloodthirsty Ink Abyss Dragon to protect his safety — is it really worth it?"

This final passage, the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit practically spat out through gritted teeth, his tone slightly heavy. To those who didn't know the truth, it seemed he was extremely unwilling for Yu Zhangsheng to do this, but in his heart he was already cursing up a storm, and so he secretly transmitted his voice to scold: "Damn it, you scheming brat, you're cunning as hell. What ghost lines are these? I'm truly convinced — are you even human?"

Yu Zhangsheng silently wiped a cold sweat in his heart, muttering in reply: "Senior, there's no way. Since I'm already acting, I have to take it to the extreme. Rest assured, I'll definitely treat it well."

"You'd better. Otherwise I'll be the first to hack you to death."

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit cursed in his heart, quietly turning his head to look at the dazed Purple Child, then couldn't help but turn away again. In his heart he suddenly felt a bit unable to bear it, along with guilt and sympathy; his thoughts grew slightly complex.

Even with the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit's experience from living this long, having seen no small number of people, someone as thick-skinned as Yu Zhangsheng truly opened his eyes.

Truly fucking convinced! These secret dialogues all completed in a single thought, so in the Purple Child's eyes, he only saw the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit finish speaking, and before she could react, Yu Zhangsheng waved his hand, decisive and without the slightest hesitation, saying: "Senior, stop talking. I'm definitely willing. What does this count for? If my friend is gone, I won't be at ease keeping it; I'd feel guilty and would surely regret it!"

Yu Zhangsheng patted his chest heavily, his face deep and solemn.

"Ah..."

The Purple Child was moved once more, staring blankly at Yu Zhangsheng. Meeting Yu Zhangsheng's sincere gaze, the words he wanted to speak were stopped by that gaze, leaving only a warm current, lingering and difficult to let go.

"Sigh, alright, I respect your opinion."

After a long while, the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit shook his head helplessly, raised his head to look at Yu Zhangsheng, patted his shoulder with undisguised admiration, and said sincerely: "Truly broad-minded, righteousness reaching the heavens! To achieve this step is rarely seen. You make me... admire you."

The two words "admire you," the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit spoke very heavily; the meaning within, only Yu Zhangsheng understood clearly.

"Heh." Yu Zhangsheng gave a bleak laugh, lightly shook his head, cupped his fists and bowed to the Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit, saying: "No matter how great the opportunity, where could it compare to the importance of affection? Also, thank you, Senior, for making this possible."

"……"

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit was choked up for a long time, finally letting his gaze fall on the Purple Child, and asked lightly:

"Since it's like this, then do you have any objections or anything you want to say?"

At this moment, the Purple Child had already been tossed about by this series of dialogues until only emotion remained. Thus, meeting Yu Zhangsheng's expectant gaze, the Purple Child nodded in agreement without a second thought, saying in a clear and determined voice:

"Thank you, Brother Changsheng. I'm willing to sign a contract with him, sharing life and death."

A child's world is not simple, yet they can more clearly sense who treats them well and who treats them badly. And clearly, under this series of maneuvers, Yu Zhangsheng's status in the Purple Child's heart had already skyrocketed.

"In that case, then you two sign the Spirit Beast Contract."

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit said helplessly, his heart already not wanting to meddle in this messy business any longer, especially when looking at the Purple Child's innocent eyes — every extra glance added another measure of guilt and awkwardness in his heart.

"It's all Yu Zhangsheng's fault for being born like this!"

The Sui Xian Sword's sword spirit cursed silently in his heart; the helplessness in his heart was truly helplessness.

"Okay."

Yu Zhangsheng nodded, exhaled deeply, his expression solemn as he lowered his head to look at the Purple Child, his gaze sincere as he said seriously: "You must think carefully. Are you willing to sign a Spirit Beast Contract with me? Once signed, it cannot be reversed. From then on, our fates are bound together, sharing life and death. You must also follow me and leave Zizhu Mountain." The Purple Child merely hesitated slightly, then nodded lightly once more, saying in a childish voice:

"I'm willing. Big Brother, you could even give up the Bloodthirsty Ink Abyss Dragon for me, so what is there that I wouldn't be willing for?"

"Besides, I've stayed in this Zizhu Mountain long enough. I've just always been restricted here, unable to leave. Big Brother Changsheng, you taking me to see the outside world is also very good."

The Purple Child giggled, speaking happily, his tone revealing childlike innocence and longing, yet it also made Yu Zhangsheng embarrassed, his expression shifting slightly.

"Uh..."

Yu Zhangsheng's gaze flickered for an instant; he tilted his head slightly, avoiding looking directly into Purple Child's eyes, slowly closed his eyes, and after a long while, opened them again. His index finger lightly touched Purple Child's forehead, and he said:

"Rest assured, I will definitely take you to traverse the world's landscapes and ascend to the highest peak. By then, you will absolutely not regret signing a contract with me today."

Yu Zhangsheng said seriously, the Beast Taming Art slowly operating, his Shenjue also stirred, carefully entering Purple Child's Sea of Consciousness.

"Mm, Brother Changsheng just don't regret it."

Purple Child said crisply, slowly closing his eyes, complying with Yu Zhangsheng, completely letting down his mental defenses, his soul also drawn in, immersed in the Sea of Consciousness.

Within the Sea of Consciousness, golden waves surged; dazzling golden radiance continuously emerged from Yu Zhangsheng and Purple Child's Shenjue, finally converging and slowly condensing into a page of a golden contract.

This contract emitted flowing gold radiance, appearing noble and sacred; it was the condensation of Rule Power, and also faintly contained a shadow of Heavenly Dao Power within it.

It was precisely after contracting the Xuan Gui that the improved Spirit Beast Contract was also called the Heavenly Dao Contract, counted as one of the strongest bearing types among Spirit Beast Contracts.

"Feel it; if there's no problem, just leave your Shenjue Brand on it."

Yu Zhangsheng suppressed the complex thoughts surging in his heart and spoke softly.

"Mm, okay."

Purple Child nodded in agreement, but after slightly feeling it, without hesitation left his Shenjue Brand on it.

"Humming……"

The Contract Book trembled slightly; as Purple Child's Shenjue Brand was inscribed, half of the pages burst forth with even more dazzling golden light, illuminating the Sea of Consciousness.

"Exhale……"

Seeing this, Yu Zhangsheng did not hesitate; after solemnly inscribing his own Shenjue Brand on the contract, in an instant, the remaining half page of the Contract Book also burst forth with blinding golden light, continuously shining.

"Fortunately my Shenjue is strong; otherwise, with Purple Child's Realm, this Third Rank Spirit Beast, I truly might not be able to bear it."

Yu Zhangsheng secretly rejoiced in his heart; if all went smoothly, this would be his fifth Spirit Beast.

This golden light shone, naturally formed; within this golden light, golden flames danced, gradually sweeping across the entire page of the Contract Book.

Mysterious fluctuations spread; under the roaring golden flames, without any surprise, this Contract Book turned into bit by bit of golden radiance and slowly dissipated.

A voice like a Hong Lu Da Zhong, majestic and calm, simultaneously exploded in both of their minds.

This voice revealed ancient and vicissitudes, and contained Supreme Intent.

"The contract is established; this life, no regrets!"

"If violated, Shenjue shall all be extinguished!"

In the Vast, a voice of extreme majesty simultaneously echoed in both of their minds; Yu Zhangsheng and Purple Child shook all over, and when looking at each other, a feeling of closeness arose spontaneously, a Soul Connection from the depths of bloodline and soul, shining brightly, connecting each other.

"The contract is established; from now on, you and I are Life and Death Partners who fight side by side and advance and retreat together. Hehe."

Yu Zhangsheng hehe laughed, lightly touching Purple Child's forehead; deep in his gaze, a trace of guilt flashed by in an instant.

"Mm mm."

Purple Child nodded lightly, somewhat high-spirited, dancing about; his childish nature was completely on display.

"Thus, only the last step remains: deepen your relationship, become of the same source, inseparable."

The Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit spoke lightly; a finger drew a line, Spirit Light appeared, and the Jade Sword, not yet unsheathed, emerged, floating in the Void.

"I will refine you into Yu Zhangsheng's sword; you will be the Sword Spirit, merged as one. For you, this will also allow greater room for growth in the future; you will naturally comprehend the Sword Path and become a top-tier genius among them. Do you have any objection?"

After the Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit finished speaking, Yu Zhangsheng also turned his head to look at Purple Child, nodding lightly at him, his gaze carrying a trace of expectation.

"Good."

Purple Child did not hesitate, nodding in agreement; for him, it was originally to a certain extent because of Sword Intent influence that he mutated and came into being; for things regarding the Sword Path, he was naturally born with a sense of closeness, unable to resist.

And this Jade Sword's attraction to him was even more so.

The Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit shook his head speechlessly: "Give you your main body."

Purple Child hesitated for a moment; with a wave of his small hand, the crystal clear Purple Bamboo appeared, flickering with fragrant purple light. He handed it to the Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit.

The Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit's complexion did not change; he took the Purple Bamboo, his hands constantly changing; a flame-red flame danced, transforming into a Flame Lotus, slowly covering the Purple Bamboo and the Jade Sword within.

The flames roared; gradually, the Purple Bamboo showed a tendency to melt, finally turning into a mass of Purple Liquid. Then, with a finger from the Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit, this Purple Liquid seemed to have come to life, attaching itself along the Jade Sword, turning into Dao Dao of purple patterns, wrapping around the Jade Sword up and down.

The Jade Sword, originally radiant with Spirit Light, once again appeared with a bit of Purple Phosphorescence, adding a touch of mystery; its entire Rank climbed at extreme speed.

Purple Child widened his eyes, curiously watching this scene; his complexion was as usual, not a trace of discomfort.

Although Purple Child was born from Purple Bamboo and relied on Purple Bamboo, he had long since become an independent Spirit Body; now, because of the Sui Xian Sword Sword Spirit, it was like burning down his house, and would not cause harm to his person. (Chapter End)